Muba Regency Government Awards Prosecutors for Uncovering PT SMB Corruption

The Musi Banyuasin Regency Government in South Sumatra has awarded the District Prosecutor’s investigation team for their success and dedication in probing and resolving a corruption case involving PT SMB, valued at Rp127.27 billion. The award was presented directly by Muba Regent M. Toha to the Head of the Muba District Prosecutor’s Investigation Team, Hendy, accompanied by investigation members, during a press conference at the South Sumatra High Prosecutor’s Office in Palembang on Tuesday. After receiving the award, Hendy expressed appreciation and thanks for the attention and support provided by the Musi Banyuasin Regency Government in handling the case. He explained that the handling of the alleged corruption case involving PT SMB was carried out meticulously to ensure the law enforcement process proceeded according to regulations, while also recovering the resulting regional losses. According to Hendy, the successful handling of this case was inseparable from the good synergy and collaboration between law enforcement officers and the regional government in supporting the strengthening of governance free from corruption, collusion, and nepotism. The award presentation complements the handling process of the PT SMB case, which has been a focus of public attention in South Sumatra as it concerns the recovery of regional assets and finances. In the PT SMB corruption case involving Rp127.27 billion, state financial recovery was achieved through mediation and negotiation by the State Attorney alongside the heirs of the late defendant H. Abdul Halim Ali, the former President Director of PT SMB. The breakdown of state losses includes the value of state land assets in the Suaka and Other Use Areas worth Rp2.55 billion, unpaid Land and Building Rights Acquisition Fees amounting to Rp201.58 million, and illegal gains from unlicensed plantation activities totalling Rp124.51 billion. The heirs and management of PT SMB have agreed to settle the entire compensation payment in stages over a maximum period of 12 months. The first payment was agreed at Rp10.5 billion, with the remaining obligation to be paid in instalments at the end of each working month, with a minimum value of Rp9.69 billion per stage until the full amount is recovered.